Verstappen 'certain' to leave Red Bull after Newey exit

Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen is “certain” to leave Red Bull in the near future.

Earlier this week Red Bull confirmed it will part ways with chief technical officer Adrian Newey in the first quarter of 2025, with the Briton focusing his remaining time at the team on the RB17 hypercar project.

Newey's exit will be a blow to Red Bull, as the 65-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest car designers in F1 history.

Verstappen has been linked with a move away from Red Bull since the start of the year after his father Jos publicly criticised team principal Christian Horner amid a power struggle between the Thai and Austrian sides of the company.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed his desire to sign Verstappen as he hunts to replace Lewis Hamilton ahead of his move to Ferrari.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher expressed faith that Verstappen is keen to part ways with Red Bull.

"I also think he has other options,” he said. “In the paddock, you already hear stories about him talking to others.

“The question is whether it will happen next year or the year after, but for me it is certain that he wants to leave.”

Red Bull situation 'sad'

Newey's next career move is not yet known, however it has been suggested the Briton has engaged in talks with Ferrari.

Schumacher claimed engineers are seeking to leave alongside Newey, expressing sadness over the team's changing landscape following the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.

"Engineers are leaving who want to go somewhere else together with Adrian Newey," added Schumacher.

"The team spirit is no longer what Dietrich Mateschitz would have wanted. What is happening now is really a shame and sad.

“It is very disappointing that it is now falling apart because of people who were given the opportunity by Mateschitz, while at the core they were just employees It's unbelievable. I have no words for it."